Lead singer, DJ, musician and rapper, Maxwell Fraser, also known as Maxi Jazz back in his time, sadly passed away in his sleep at age 65 on the 23rd of December. He was best known, alongside Faithless for their 1995 famous club classic hit, “Insomnia”.

Sister Bliss, keyboardist for Faithless released a statement on Twitter of his passing. “Maxi Jazz, 1957-2022. We are heartbroken to share that Maxi died peacefully in his sleep last night. Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey. Look after each other y’hear.”

Faithless released an official statement on Twitter offering their condolences as well. “We are heartbroken to say that Maxi Jazz died peacefully in his sleep last night. He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning to our music. He was a lovely human being with time for everyone and wisdom that was both profound and accessible.”

We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died peacefully in his sleep last night. He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning and a message to our music. He was a lovely human being with time for everyone and wisdom that was both profound and accessible. pic.twitter.com/VcFe7OpTh6

— Faithless (@faithless) December 24, 2022

Prior to Faithless, in 1984, Maxi was the founder of The Soul Food Café System as a DJ. This was after he discovered hip-hop a year prior. The Soul Food Café band was picked up by Tam Tam Records in 1989. Three years later, he was the founder of Namu Records and released the band’s material by recording three EPs and touring to support big artists like Jamiroquai in Amsterdam, Soul II Soul in Barcelona, Galliano in Switzerland and Jason Rebello in Brazil. It was these experiences alone, that inspired him to form a band which ended up being a success.

Maxi Jazz was the person who formed and shaped Faithless to success throughout the 90s-00s.  All thanks to his ever-shining charisma and support towards his bandmates, especially Rollo Armstrong who he met at the studio which began the formation. In Faithless, he was the mastermind of providing one of the most iconic voices in House/Electronic music. Two major hits such as “God Is A DJ” and as well as “Insomnia” was vibrant back in their time and still remain vibrant and nostalgic to this day.

Though vibrant, Faithless songs had a deeper meaning that reflected political approaches. The US senate and the House of Parliament quote lyrics from one of Faithless’ songs. During the lockdown, their 2020 album, All Blessed, focuses on the harsh reality of immigration, identity and how much it lacked in our society.

In 2015, Maxi split from the group to focus on fronting as a guitarist and singer the Maxi Jazz and The E-Type Boys under the Faithless 2.0 banner. In 2016, he left Faithless for the final time.

Faithless
“Insomnia”
1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣6️⃣ #90s pic.twitter.com/XK8kAYJY9n

— The 80’s & 90’s Revisited (@80s90sRevisited) January 6, 2023